Meteorologists predict widespread rainfall across most parts of Nepal this week as the monsoon gradually becomes more active, which is expected to bring some relief from high temperatures. In certain areas, the rainfall could be sufficient to commence rice transplanting.
According to Rojan Lamichhane, a meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, residents of the Terai regions in Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces, who have experienced heat waves through Friday and Saturday, will find relief with the approaching rain. Lamichhane stated that moderate rainfall is possible in a few locations in Lumbini Province's Terai on Tuesday, becoming widespread from Wednesday to Thursday. Sudurpashchim Province is expected to see light rain in some areas from Sunday to Tuesday, with moderate rainfall in certain parts from Wednesday to Thursday. Heavy rain is also possible in one or two spots in Sudurpashchim's Terai between Wednesday and Thursday.
Moderate rainfall is also forecast through Thursday for the hilly areas of Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, with isolated heavy rain possible. Meteorologists anticipate that eastern Nepal will receive more rainfall than western Nepal this week. In the Terai of Koshi Province, many areas are expected to receive rain from Wednesday to Thursday.
Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces will experience rain in some areas through Tuesday, with moderate rainfall becoming widespread from Wednesday to Thursday. Heavy to very heavy rain may also occur in one or two locations in the Terai of Koshi, Madhesh, and Bagmati from Sunday through Thursday. Meteorologist Ujjwal Upadhyay noted that good rainfall is expected from Tuesday onward in the belt between the Mechi River in the east and the Narayani River in the west, with significant rain likely in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas on Wednesday. He added that these areas can prepare for rice transplanting.
Meteorologist Dharmaraj Upreti stated that the previously weakened monsoon has been gradually strengthening and is projected to intensify further, reaching western Nepal between June 28 and July 1. He added that between June 30 and July 2, further intensification could lead to moderate to heavy rainfall in some areas, creating suitable conditions for paddy planting. This year, the monsoon arrived in Koshi Province on June 19, six days later than average, and spread to the eastern parts of Lumbini Province by June 22. However, it remained weak, preventing steady rainfall and leaving much of the country hot and dry.
On Saturday, the highest temperature recorded was 40.1 degrees Celsius at Baijapur in Banke district at 3:20 PM. While this week's rainfall should offer some respite from the heat and provide sufficient moisture for farming, the overall forecast for this monsoon season projects below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures.